“I don’t know what to do.” How many times have we thought or said those words?
In 2009, following a stroke, heart attack, and fall that resulted in a severe brain injury, my husband lay in the emergency room of our local hospital on a respirator, not expected to live. Tests showed little brain activity. He had said many times he did not want artificial support if no hope of recovery existed. Although the prognosis appeared grim, the doctor said he never used the words “no hope.”
Our circle of support included my sister, a sister-in-law, two close friends, and two pastors. None of us knew what to do, so we prayed one at a time. Baring our hearts to God, we sought direction for the hours that followed. During that prayer, I understood, as never before, that God loved my husband before I did and more than I could. I claimed God’s peace, regardless of the outcome.
We delayed a decision until we consulted a cardiologist the next day. The afternoon of the following day, the admitting physician removed the respirator. My husband breathed on his own and gave limited responses to prompts. Two days later, he sat up, talked, and began use of the weaker right side of his body.
Through it all, like Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah who faced enemy attack, we praised God for past, present, and future presence and provision. Although we did not know what to do or what would happen, we did know where to turn our eyes.
Daily, we thank God for direction as we walk into an unknown future. And daily, we rest assured of God’s unconditional, unfailing love and care. You can too.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and RobinHiggins.)
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Diana Derringer is author of Beyond Bethlehem and Calvary: 12 Dramas for Christmas, Easter, and More! She writes for several publications and enjoys traveling with her husband and serving as a friendship family to international university students. She offers life lessons from English expressions at dianaderringer.com.